Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Sami BBQ Dinner

Exploring the Kiruna: Northern Lights Tour with Sami BBQ Dinner

If you’re heading to Sweden’s Arctic region and want a blend of cultural insight, stunning scenery, and a good chance to witness the Northern Lights, this tour from Kiruna might just be worth considering. Designed by Explore Arctic, it offers a well-rounded experience: delicious Sami cuisine, engaging storytelling, and the thrill of chasing the aurora borealis in the dark skies of Lapland.

What immediately stands out about this tour are three key highlights: the chance to taste traditional Sami ‘souvas’, the opportunity to learn about the indigenous Sami people, and the excitement of hunting for the perfect Northern Lights viewing spot. The price point of $189 per person reflects a comprehensive experience, especially considering the included dinner, guided insights, transportation, and photography assistance.

A potential consideration is that some reviews have mentioned the Sami cultural component might feel somewhat limited or less authentic, with a few guests expecting a deeper culture. Still, if your main goal is to see the aurora, enjoy a hearty meal in a cozy setting, and learn about Lapland’s traditions, this tour hits many of those marks. This experience suits travelers who appreciate a mix of cultural storytelling, outdoor adventure, and the chance to capture iconic photos of the Northern Lights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Sami Dinner: Experience traditional reindeer and moose smoked over an open fire in a cozy Sami-style tent.
• Northern Lights Chase: Guided in minibuses to the best spots, with stops to maximize aurora viewing chances.
• Cultural Insights: Guides share stories about the Sami people and Lapland, adding depth to the experience.
• Photography Support: Assistance is available for capturing the Lights, which can be tricky to photograph.
• Weather Preparation: Dress warmly; outdoor evenings can be chilly, especially in winter.
• Flexible Booking: Book now, pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, making it easy to plan.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Cozy Meets Adventure

Your evening kicks off with pickup from central locations around Kiruna, where you’ll board a minibus with a small group, ensuring a more intimate experience. The journey into Lapland’s wilderness is part of the charm, as your guide shares insights about the region and what makes it so special.

The Sami-style Lavvu and the Atmosphere

Arriving at Poikkijärvi, you step into a traditional Sami-style lavvu tent—a circular, tented structure that’s both inviting and culturally evocative. Surrounded by stunning views of a calm river and snow-blanketed landscape, the setting feels wonderfully authentic. Inside, a crackling fire creates a warm glow, inviting you to relax and soak in the moment.

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The Sami Dinner Experience

The highlight of the evening is the traditional Sami ‘souvas’ dinner. Watching the meal come together over an open fire adds a visceral element—smoked reindeer and moose meat served with vegetables, cooked following age-old Sami methods, but with a modern twist.

Multiple reviews have highlighted the quality of the food; guests mention it being “good tasting,” with some noting it’s not entirely authentic or marketed as a fully traditional Sami experience. One guest observed that the Sami dinner seemed more like a tasty interpretation than a strict cultural showcase. That said, the atmosphere in the camp is cozy, and the fire-side setting makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

Learning and Storytelling

As you enjoy your meal, your guide—often someone like Daniel, who is praised for his friendliness and knowledge—will share stories about the Sami people, Lapland traditions, and what daily life is like in the north. Such storytelling enriches the experience, making the evening more than just dinner and aurora hunting.

Chasing the Aurora

Once everyone is satisfied, the group heads out in minibuses to find the best spots for Northern Lights viewing. The guides are experienced at reading weather and sky conditions, and they’ll make stops at multiple locations, giving you plenty of chances to see the aurora dance across the sky.

Guests consistently praise the guides’ efforts. One reviewer especially appreciated how Gregoire or Daniel drove around to find clear skies, often resulting in a stunning aurora display. When the lights make an appearance, the guides help with camera settings to ensure you get memorable photos, which is particularly valuable given how elusive the Aurora can sometimes be.

The Real Deal: Aurora Visibility and Photos

It’s worth noting that patience is key; not every night guarantees a show. Several reviews mention overcast or cloudy conditions limiting visibility, but guides do their best to optimize your chances. Guests who saw the aurora speak of that moment as “amazing” and “unforgettable,” often with plenty of time for photos thanks to the stops and expert guidance.

End of the Night and Return

After a successful or partly successful aurora hunt, the tour concludes with a return trip to Kiruna or your designated meeting point. The warmth of the fire, the taste of the Sami-inspired meal, and the thrill of seeing the Lights combine to create a memorable Arctic adventure.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out (and What Could Be Better)

Price and Value: At $189, the tour offers a balanced mix of cultural experience, outdoor adventure, and photography help. It’s more affordable than some private excursions, and the inclusive dinner adds a lot of value, especially considering the cozy atmosphere and storytelling.

Guides and Atmosphere: Guests like Mattia and Tayler highlighted guides like Daniel and Gregoire as exceptional—friendly, knowledgeable, and great at making the experience fun despite unpredictable weather.

Food and Cultural Element: The Sami dinner, while tasty, may not fully satisfy those seeking an in-depth culture. Some reviewers felt the Sami storytelling was somewhat limited, and the meal, although delicious, might not be entirely authentic or traditional.

Aurora Viewing: Success largely depends on weather conditions, but the guides’ flexibility and effort greatly increase your chances. The stops are well-spaced, giving you time to relax under the stars and try to capture that perfect photo.

Group Size and Flexibility: Smaller groups (via minibus) mean more personalized attention, a plus for those wanting an intimate experience. Booking with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours prior makes planning easier, especially in unpredictable Arctic weather.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This excursion is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural storytelling, outdoor adventure, and aurora hunting. It suits those who don’t mind bundling up and embracing a bit of patience for the elusive Lights. If you’re interested in Sami traditions, even at a surface level, and appreciate cozy outdoor settings with tasty food, this tour fits well.

It’s also ideal for photography enthusiasts, thanks to the guides’ assistance in capturing the Northern Lights. However, it might be less suitable for travelers solely focused on deep Sami culture or those with strict dietary restrictions, as the Sami experience is somewhat simplified.

Final thoughts

If you’re after an approachable, well-organized Arctic outing that mixes food, stories, and an excellent chance to see the Northern Lights, this tour is a solid pick. The guides’ enthusiasm and attention to detail—especially when it comes to chasing the aurora—really shine through.

While the Sami cultural component might not satisfy those looking for a deep ethnographic dive, the cozy atmosphere, tasty food, and stunning sky shows more than compensate. It’s a trip that offers authentic moments, beautiful scenery, and a true taste of Lapland’s charm, all at a reasonable price point.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value a good balance: cultural snippets, outdoor adventure, and the thrill of a natural light show. With a bit of luck and patience, you’ll leave with memories of a magical Arctic night and perhaps a few stunning photos to prove it.

FAQ

Will I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour maximizes your chances by heading to the best possible spots, aurora visibility depends on weather conditions. Guides do their best to find clear skies, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly with layers, including thermal underwear, a good winter coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots. Outdoor evenings in Lapland can be particularly cold, especially if the sky is clear.

Is the Sami dinner authentic?
Guests have mixed opinions—some find it tasty, but it might not fully reflect traditional Sami cuisine. It’s prepared over an open fire and offers a cozy, fire-side experience rather than an exhaustive cultural showcase.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay nothing until closer to the date. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or fish options available?
Yes, dietary preferences are accommodated. Be sure to specify your needs when booking.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience, including pickup, dinner, aurora hunting, and return, typically lasts several hours, making it a comfortable evening outing.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation in minibuses is part of the experience, taking you from Kiruna to the aurora viewing locations and back.

To sum it up, this Northern Lights tour from Kiruna promises a cozy, scenic, and culturally engaging evening. It offers the perfect mix of good food, storytelling, and aurora chasing, making it an ideal choice for travelers keen on a genuine Arctic adventure without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a photography buff or simply eager to experience the magic of Lapland’s night skies, this tour delivers a memorable taste of Swedish Sami culture and the wonder of the Northern Lights.

You can check availability for your dates here: